New ethics organization for the construction industry schedules forum

The Construction Industry Ethics and Compliance Initiative ("CIECI"), founded in late April 2008 by the CEOs of 13 of the leading American construction industry contractors, will hold its first forum on Oct.16-17 at the Marriott Metro Center Hotel, in Washington, D.C.

The theme of the Forum is "Building public trust in the U.S. construction industry through transparency and accountability—leading the way." This theme reflects the core value of the Initiative, which is business based on integrity. The vision of the Initiative is an ethical construction industry, with transparent business practices, accountability, and absence of conflicts of interest. The Initiative is open to all companies in the construction industry, regardless of size, including architect/engineers, general and sub contractors, and suppliers.

Highlights of the program include the following:

• A CEO panel discussion on how ethical business conduct enriches the bottom line.
• A panel showing examples of the essential elements of an effective ethics and compliance program.
• A presentation on how smaller companies may build an effective ethics and compliance program on a budget.
• A Government panel consisting of federal agency debarring officials and the DOJ Criminal Division addressing effective programs to avoid prosecution and debarment.
• A luncheon address by the Deputy Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Registration for the Forum is open to members of the Initiative and those companies who may be interested in becoming members. More information is available at www.ciecinitiative.org and from Coordinator Dick Bednar at 202-624-2619.